(Pure Form)

The sunniest duo is back! Today I get to deep dive into these men’s past discography after listening to and being impressed by their most recent record. It was time to see what else they had to offer, and so here we go, travelling back to 2023 in the most…

‘PURE FORM’

This is another collaboration effort between MC’s Sabio Dub and MISKEEN HALEEM, while Sabio handled the production! Ten tracks with 22 minutes of length, and once again, this thing fucking slaps!

We have to discuss the production first and talk about this new batch of SUNSHINE RAP! The more I listen to it, the more obsessed I become! For those who are unfamiliar, I use that term because every time Sabio Dub (or the both of them) are on a track, the music itself is always optimistically smooth, positive in aura, and absolutely fun at its core!

This time around, I hear a strong combination of Jazz and Funk. From those funky 80s bass lines like on the song ‘PURE FORM’ with those jazz piano keys and soulful vocal harmonies that angelically pop off in the background! Absolutely incredibly chill and relaxing vibe on this one! 

We can even take a look at the track ‘DOLLAR SIGN$$’ which has that incredible Funk X RnB with a light drizzle of Jazz. This song sounds like a combination of Babyface and John Coltrane. You’ve got those ever-so-subtle jazz notes in the background, those funky drum patterns, and that light and delicate vocal performances that, although faint, give off that ‘larger than life’ attitude to this track!

I thought the most recent album production good? This one is next level (no offence to their most recent effort), but I think I’ve found my new favourite album of theirs. This production, the way each song grabs at your soul and takes away all your pain, worries, and stress, is absolutely incredible. 

For me, staying mentally conscious to write this while listening is the hardest challenge! Not because it’s boring; in fact, the complete opposite. Because it’s too mellow and heavenly in composition! I can’t recommend this album enough based on the sounds alone!

Once again, these two give a masterclass in chemistry. I love the fact this duo goes off without trying too hard or pretending to be anything they aren’t. You’ve got HALEEM’s strong and powerful vocal performances, his sharp wordplay, and relentless lyricism! 

Combined with Sabio’s soft-spoken, light, and smooth vocals with witty and encouraging verses and ‘sunshine’ inspirations in his words! 

I love the contrast between the two men. Similar to a Run the Jewels type energy. Except unlike El-P, Sabio is a lot calmer and more enlightened! But like them, they both share perfect synchronicity and aura between them, and each verse feels purposeful and crafted exactly as it should be between the two!

On this one, no features; they don’t need it! This collaboration is more than enough to make waves, and with this unique production, why ruin it by crowding it with others? I’m so pleased they decided to keep it between the two of them!

Overall, my favourite work of theirs so far. The production and verses alike are absolutely phenomenal, and I can’t wait to hear more of them together in the future!

https://open.spotify.com/album/1e59ZmR2nnsseM2q4kuhjG?si=rdienohRRjalnu1JFleCeg

(Coast Is Clear)

The more I discover about this man, the more I’m amazed I didn’t discover him sooner! The way he handles a beat, his unique take on the hip-hop genre is one I wish more people followed! Let’s talk about it!

This is the brand-new single by MC Sabio Dub! Who on this specific song is both rapping and producing, proving he’s the full package when it comes to this music shit. 

Across this just under three-minute track, we have one of the smoothest takes on rap I’ve heard in years!

Let’s start with that fantastic beat. In short, it sounds like a combination of synth wave and Lo Fi/art rap. You’ve got those spacey and 80s-feel drum patterns and glossy keys that are combined with that gorgeous vocal sample that provides that ‘theatrical’ quality to the single! 

Although this track is only two minutes and 44 seconds, it feels like five. That’s because this dreamy instrumental forces your mind and body to just shut down any pressure or stress and just relax! I actually had to play this track multiple times before I could review it! (Not just for studying purposes) but because every time I’d put it on, I’d instantly feel sleepy and at peace, so I actually had to force myself awake to cover this, but it’s just so wonderfully bliss and upbeat compared to a lot of hip-hop today, and I love it!

As far as Sabio himself goes. He’s equally fun to listen to! He brings with him an optimistic and laid-back energy to him that’s equal parts passionate and deadly on the mic! He proves you don’t have to sound ‘sinister’ or ‘grimy’ to make dope music, and he’s (as far as I’m concerned) taking the essence of the early to mid-2000s backpack alternative era of hip-hop and combining it with a more positive twist and creating his own lane of what I would call 

‘Sunshine Rap’. I mean, how many times have you heard your favourite artists trending right now described as ‘Grimey, Muddy, Gritty’? And don’t get me wrong, I love most who specialise in those sounds.

BUT

With everything in life, we need a balance, and Sabio could very well be crafting that ‘other side’ on his own, and I’m so excited to hear the results!

So, what are you waiting for? You’ve got plenty of time to listen to your favourite Boom Bap artists! Give Sunshine Rap a go and feel your problems disappear, and the coast become clear!

https://open.spotify.com/track/4ZrmpxAgkvcd98n5cEnPjy?si=RY5bmGLfQv2DIJGWxnGk1w

(BRAP 2)

There’s just a handful of artists out there that get me next-level excited whenever they announce a drop, and this is one of those people. This man continues to have one of the most influential and legendary discographies in all of Hip Hop, and he’s not done yet! From his CCE album with Al Divino earlier and now to this, this man doesn’t understand the meaning of the word ‘quit,’ and the industry is all the better for it!

So, this is the latest full-length LP and sequel record by MC Estee Nack and Producer VDon, who collaborated back in 2023 with ‘BRAP1’ and now have set their sights together for the next stage! This album features the likes of 

-AL DOE

-Al DIVINO

-BORIROCK

-SHAYKH HANIF

-TY DA DALE 

What always stands out to me with VDon’s production is his utilisation of sounds. He’s one of the few beatmakers who fuse influences such as 

-Classical

-Jazz

-Electric Guitar

-Boom Bap

-Lo Fi/Ambient

And take these different genres and perfectly combine them into creating this one-of-a-kind product that somehow balances everything into one without any specific influence overtaking the other! 

For example, on the song ‘LAKOTA DREAM CATCHER,’ we have beautifully orchestrated piano keys and classical overtones while also maintaining that gritty and muddy boom bap feel, utilising those vocal snippet loops and skeletal drum patterns!

Or even the track ‘HIGHTECHNOLOGY,’ which has the most ambient and Lo Fi aura of all the tracks. With those spacey notes fading in and out, plus a few consistently going off in the background! With that old-school drum beat to go with it! This is one of those tracks that you’d listen to while on the substances, just trying to fade off and let your brain wonder! 

One of my favourite production cuts on the album is ‘OFFTHEPLANE’ because of its heavy jazz influence! You’ve got those gorgeous and melodic notes going off in different variations and tones. Along with a subtle bass line and a minimalistic drum loop, and you have one of the smoothest songs on the record!

My point is, VDon. Ain’t just a regular producer. He’s the man who can take the impossible and make it possible. Give him any fusion of genres and not only will he mix it perfectly but he’ll do it with cinematic quality like you’ve never heard before! Absolutely phenomenal work by the man! 

Of course, the other half of this record is Estee. The man who has captivated and moulded the underground along with Divino set the boundaries for what to expect in this rap shit and he’s back to do it again.

I’d say this is one of his more melodic albums in a while, there’s quite a few cuts where he’s trying his hand at vocal chorus’s or more singing style ad libs across his tracks! 

On top of that, he’s back with more charisma and personality than ever! Which is shocking to admit as every new release he seems to out do himself in that department but he just has such endless reserves of energy and magnetism that it feels like he can keep evolving forever and never get stale!

His trademark rhyming schemes is something you can’t question at this point! Absolutely incredible pen game, legendary lyricism and rhythm. On this one he sounds like he’s flexing on the game and he has every right to do so! When you’ve single handedly dominated the game the way he has, you’d be confident too!

I love his smooth and fun vibes on tracks like ‘CARVEL’ where he just sounds in his element. The first single off the new album and there’s just an anthem quality to this track with his laid back delivery and witty one liners and puns! He’s having the time of his life and it makes for the best music!

There’s cuts that I mentioned above ‘HIGHTECHNOLOGY’ where he’s joined with his usual brothers on the beat! All these men combined can’t miss. We have Al Divino on his cut throat chaotic shit, Bori and Shaykh on their wavey shit and Estee on his kingpin shit! 

Each man is in their element on this cypher type track and it’s absolutely incredible! 

Also have to mention ‘ELEGANT DELIQUENT’ because Al and Estee’s chemistry across that Jazz heavy beat reminds me of their notorious 2018-2021 run with albums like 

-AKIRAONACID

-HAMMERABI

-TRIPLE BLACK DIAMOND II

You can just hear that legendary duo work between the two of them, not that they’ve missed yet (they literally released a duo album earlier this year) but something about the combination of this instrumental and their verses took me back to memory lane with those classic records as inspiration!

Was there any chance of this album being anything but a modern day classic? Absolutely not. Again certain artists can release without ever worrying the listener about its quality. Both Estee and VDon are two of these types of artists. Both men are legends in their own right and when they

come together there’s no stopping them! 

Make sure either in physical or digital that you support the record and show love to the underground scene! 

https://serioussoundz.com/product/vdon-x-estee-nack-brap-ii/

(Totally! Unnecessary! White Guy Dub!)

The definition of ‘Creativity’ reads as follows: The use of imagination or original ideas to create something’ and on this premise alone I feel Brycon could easily qualify as one of the most ‘creative’ producers in the game right now! Let’s talk about it!

Across this album and it’s 13 tracks we see Brycon accompanied by the likes of 

-Maître D

-Mykal Rose

Decided to engage himself and the listeners in the sounds of ‘Reggae’ and the inspiration for this (according to his Bandcamp) is from his origin story in North Carolina. So with that in mind and this new pallete of sonic flavours to dive into how does this hold up? Well

I can’t lie, this thing is the sonic equivalent of a cloud. I was mesmerised from song one to the ver end. The way Brycon utilises those reggaeton sounds and instrumentation is beyond skilled and he’s absorbed to capture the very essence of the culture and the history of the legendary sound with all its organic characteristics and trademarks!

Honestly, this kind of reminded me of Madlib’s ‘Konducta Vol. 3-4: Beat Konducta In India’ but replaced the culture with Jamaica and make it a bit subtle and intricate in execution and you have this album! 

It’s so smooth and welcoming and the production itself is immaculately warm! It feels like the sonic version of a bright sunny day walk through the forest. I don’t do this during projects for review (for professional purposes) but I honestly felt like lighting up a fat one and going on a stroll to the local woodland and listening to this record to try amplify the sounds and feelings more so!

For a beat tape this brings more than just music itself. It also lends its hand at providing listeners with ‘atmosphere’ and ‘ambience’ in the most gentle and groovy way possible. I want to you to envision the vibes and nuances felt on the album ‘Exodus’ when we heard Bob Marley and The Wailers breakthrough the medium of the music industry with their captivating and natural songs of harmony, peace and love.

To a certain extent I feel that way here. This album is just the embodiment of ‘fun’ and ‘happy times’ and honestly to hear a Hip Hop inspired record that doesn’t feel too serious or moody in today’s climate is rather refreshing. 

I loved this album from the opening track. This is the perfect recipe for a great mood. If you’re feeling down or stressed, I guarantee (plant enhanced or not) you’ll feel better after just one listen! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2ee6kxEdw0X3yDZgMYEMlq?si=scuLGJM6Ro-IAkeE2Kz6Cg

(The Steubenvillian)

As if I wasn’t a Penlordz stan already. But now they decided to drop a Godzilla-themed Hip Hop album? It’s as if they can see through my mind and deliver projects they know I’ll love the most. It’s insane, we gotta talk about it!

This is the brand-new LP by Penlordz member Audio Messiah! Accompanying him is the producer DJ Phurcat and the other members of the Penlordz Fam, Ross and Arsinel, as features!

Right off the fucking bat, I love that intro track, which sounds like a sea shanty track with that majestic choir-like vocal harmonies that transitions into that old-school Hip Hop vibe! 

As the album continues, we have tracks like ‘Bum Rush Bros,’ which I already reviewed and was one of my favourite singles of the year! Absolutely powerful Jazz/Surf Rock vibes! Incredible single.

Throughout the rest of the album, we have tracks like ‘1 Things 4 Sure, 2 Things 4 Certain,’ which has a more minimalistic/Skeletal Boom Bap feel to it with those low bass lines, cold piano keys, and traditional drum pattern! Definitely a more raw cut than the rest but a track that helps emphasise the vocal capabilities of the Penlordz!

‘Goodfellaz’ is one of the more soulful cuts on the album with that persistent vocal harmony, repetitive synth chords that subtly go off in the background, and those thick bass! Plus, the vocal introduction to the record was absolutely gorgeous!

The aspects I love most about the production on this record are the Godzilla Snippets! From the third track ‘Briefing Room Skit’ to the finale ‘Light Show,’ I got goosebumps listening to those interludes because I am a HUGE Godzilla head, and so this was right up my alley! I hope everyone feels the same way as me!

Onto the MC work, one thing I’ve noticed after studying and listening to Penlordz as long as I have is that although all three are absolutely phenomenal and dope, no questions asked, Audio Messiah has always demonstrated a special preacher-like trait whenever he raps, and it’s quite exceptional.

Especially in recent drops, whenever he raps, he’s always doing so with a message or warning, spiritual awakening, or advice on something. His words very rarely come without substance with them. 

I think back to that EP ‘The Right Foodz’ talking about the danger of not having the proper food pyramid! And what’s impressive to me is that talking to him outside of the music, he’s exactly the same in and out. 

A very thoughtful, intelligent man with incredible integrity, which in this day and age is not easy to find!

As far as his actual work goes, he’s second to none. Incredible rhyme structures, powerful vocal performances, skilful and important lyricism, and legendary pen game! His flow has always been on point, and his natural charisma, cadence, and aura are things you can’t buy or learn but something you’re born with!

He’s one of my favourite MC’s to listen to (along with Fam and Arsinel), who are prevalent on this record as well, keep pushing the envelope of what real hip-hop is supposed to be and sound like, and I’ll forever respect them for that!

If you ain’t ready to fuck with this album, then you’re the one missing out! This thing is incredible front to back and will definitely be in my replays for 2025!

https://open.spotify.com/album/6j8jMRR8vswJShJH7UsUxU?si=V-D3v0aiSuK3v85rOYuFUg

(Birth Of A Dynasty)

Man, can we mention the absolute run ‘Black Soprano Family’ has been on this year? It seems Benny and his roster are growing stronger by the month, and this album is further proof of that! Let’s talk about it!

So, this is the brand-new album by rap phenomenon Streets Soprano! This album is entirely produced by Imminent Productions and features a fellow MC, Heckler, joining Streets across the entire nine tracks! As this album features 

– Weso Gee

– Fuego Base

– Bigga N!gga 

When we talk about the production style of this album, it’s clear to me what the aim was meant to be. That being the trademark polished and high-end variety of East Coast Style Street Rap that Jay-Z brought to the game and was later taken over by Benny The Butcher in the modern era.

Those grand instrumentations with the rich atmosphere mixed in with those grimmy, muddy boom-bap flavours to create the very blend that albums such as ‘Burden Of Proof’ were made from.

It’s in this production that I feel best suits these brief 21 minutes, a rather familiar short time frame for most of these BSF releases. This is the perfect choice because it not only captures that cold and calculating street rap that BSF is renowned for but also gives the most impact and depth for the smallest run time, which captures the minds of listeners the easiest due to the current society and attention spans.

In order to capture the hearts of the audience, BSF routinely make short and explosive EP’s/Albums full of grit, cinematic production, and ruthless instrumentals that both inspire and leave the listener mean-mugging the world from those cold beats! 

For 21 minutes, this is some of the dopest I’ve heard in a minute! Imagine Prime Hov meets Burdon Of Proof Benny, and this is the sound you should expect! Incredible!

Now, to talk about this duo. Some might say this album could be BSF’s ‘The Purple Tape’ effort. This is the first I remember being a duo effort on one of their tapes, and I loved it! From the synchronicity to the obvious chemistry they both shared.

The way they both executed their verses with relentless finesse, dropping off to the other to close the track off! There was confidence in one another and a shared mindset.

Both feature exquisite street poetry that is just as impressive as anyone in the game so far! Their flow was sharp and powerful, and their pen game a notch above the rest! I love how throughout the album you hear constant snippets of a woman saying ‘So, why don’t you trust anyone?’ It makes the record feel that much more ‘serious and raw’ in delivery.

As if both men weren’t solid enough, they were able to test their abilities against three of those strongest MC’s in the game today. All three lit the track on fire, and this duo not only matched the savage energy but maintained their own statures and strengths! Proving that if they can rap alongside these three, they can survive anywhere! 

All in all, a fantastic effort by Streets Soprano and Heckler! The production was immaculate, and the verses even more so! Make sure you don’t miss this one!

https://open.spotify.com/album/2oOuSDHfg3AZREiTxmLjXU?si=2FY17cgoSiiOHcxYCkOI_w

(CHURCH)

It’s been so fucking long since I last covered this producer. A man who has always blown me away, whether that be his work with Penlordz or his beat tapes. He’s always thinking outside the box, and that practice isn’t lost on this one! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest collaboration between MC FLUSHDRUG$, who is new to me! But his producer, Gold Matter, is someone who definitely isn’t! His last two remix tapes with Mac Miller and Joey Bada$$ were some of my favourite albums of this year, and so of course I was excited for this record. I can say it doesn’t disappoint!

How can we not start with production on this one, considering the powerhouse that’s involved with it? Gold Matter, the one who has created a bar to meet in this year alone, is back with, I’d say, some of his most melodic, harmonic, and soulful production to date! 

Honestly, after seeing that artwork for the album, I was expecting a throwback to the OFWGKTA days. It gave me the same vibes, but that wasn’t the case at all. If you could compare this record to anyone in that clique, I guess you could say Frank Ocean in that it’s definitely more ‘RnB/Soul/Funk/Lo-Fi’ instrumentation, and I love every second of it!

I love how a lot of the tracks are under a minute and capitalising on the peak attention spans and providing the most power and sonic explosion in the shortest amount of time to create maximum effect and impact! 

I also love how most of the tracks feature vocal harmonies on them. From choir style to soul extravaganzas to everything in between. Something about adding organic-sounding voice loops over a song makes it that much more lively and memorable to me, and so this album blew me away for an extra reason! 

Imagine Knxwledge mixed with Frank Ocean and then sprinkled with some J. Dilla, and that’s how this feels to me. Once again, Gold Matter is on top of his game and has provided one of the smoothest and colourful performances I’ve heard all year!

Now, onto the newcomer (for me) in ‘FLUSHDRUG$’, the man has one of the most unique vocal deliveries I’ve heard in the modern era. There seems to be no structure to his bars as it feels like he’s just going off what sounds best to him in his head at the time of recording!

A very freelance, natural/unpredictable style of performances that reminds me a bit of ODB or ironically the OFWGKTA boys in their real early days.

He’s definitely dope on the mic, I love how he can switch his energy from serious to lighthearted to loud or subtle in a flick of a switch. From one track to the next, you’ll never know which one you’ll be getting, and I love that level of diversity! 

His lyricism is chaotically beautiful, his pen game is witty and interesting, and his flow is at times abrupt and spontaneous, which is a blessing to hear since I love rappers who push the boundaries! 

I love how he takes this record on by himself with no features! Just him and the legendary producer and 14 tracks. This to me is the best thing someone could have on their music resume! Being able to carry a record solo! Features are fine, but when someone drowns their record in them, it (for the most part) can be a turn-off! So I’m glad he let his natural charisma and personality shine on this one!

If you ain’t checking this cat out, you’re definitely losing out! Behind that magnificent production, this album can’t be beaten! CHECK OUT NOW! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1naqyzrsi8qBBD5yTqvgub?si=JqjIvb9RT1mGuDPPsDAqnQ

(RXD $VMMXR)

Man, what a year this man has had so far! From his instant classic in January to his most recent project not that long ago, this man is on a quest to make the best possible discography before the end of the year, and to be honest, he hasn’t missed yet! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest EP by MC K. Burns and Producer Crabskull, and together they released five new tracks featuring the likes of 

– Teller Bank$

– Conspiracy 

Starting with the production here, I feel this is more on the ‘mellow’ side than we’ve seen him so far. Even more so than his ‘A Stoners Life’ and definitely a deep contrast to his January record ‘War Dogs’, which is still one of the darkest and muddiest records you’ll hear in 2025.

But regardless, Crabskull provides a generally atmospheric, surreal, and hypnotic experience with fusions of Hip Hop, Lo-Fi, Jazz, Soft Rock, and Ambient. 

This is the kind of instrumentals that makes your brain wonder and your body relax as you get ready to experience a dope hip hop record that will keep you tunnel-visioned in until the very final track. Only 13 minutes; they knew they didn’t have any time for filler or bullshit, and so there is not!

Mellow doesn’t mean less than. When producers or artists find their perfect ‘rhythm’ and sound, then it can become engaging, addictive, and most importantly, memorable. I feel this EP, although only five tracks, has enough substance, rich instrumentation, and high-quality production to keep everyone coming back for more!

What’s there left to say about K. That hasn’t already been said? I can say this: he’s definitely one of the most wavy MC’s in the game right now. He drips swagger, and he can make any noise that comes out of his mouth, whether that be bars or adlibs, sound entertaining!

As usual, he’s delivering his bars in the most paced and methodical manner possible. He’s never in any rush and he’s in no need to be. He’s the man in this game right now building a legacy for himself that most will only dream of, and in that reality, there’s no room for him to be chasing after anyone! 

His lyricism is top tier, his flow is fluent as usual, and his cadence is ruthless, relentless, and his pen game is sharp and cutthroat!

He’s the kind of MC that is more than capable of working solo to make a project and is also equally as capable of making a record pop with a healthy roster of guests!

On this one, he brings only two MC’s but they are some of the best in the game! To me, this feels like a flex, a message to the haters saying ‘If I can rap alongside these two cats, who can’t I fuck with?’ And those two tracks absolutely slap!

Once again, another SOLID record by K. Burns to add to his collection. He’s proving to have one of the best runs in the game right now, and who’s going to stop him?

https://teamfamegvng.bandcamp.com/album/k-burns-rxd-svmmxr-ep

(WXLFGOATZ)

Man, it feels like years since I last covered this man, but fuck me, has he come back with a vengeance! I remember enjoying his last album,

but this one feels like a whole different monster! Let’s talk about it!

This is the latest album by MC MONEY MOGLY and Producer TEV95, and it features the likes of 

-PRO THE ARTIST

-ORION

-DJ EXES

-SHOTTIE 

-SALAZAR EL TABAQUERO

-ANDRE DeSAINT

-ASUN EASTWOOD

-NOEMOTION GOLDMASK

-JOEY DaSILVA

Now, let’s talk about that production because although there’s so much going on, it’s all grand, masterfully done, and so fucking hype! Listening to this album gave me as much energy as an energy drink! I felt sonic caffeine run through my veins, and it was a surreal experience!

You wouldn’t expect it from the opening notes of the first track that sounds like an orchestra is behind in the studio doing live music with MONEY, but as the song continues and it gets into that heavy-handed Hip Hop album with its various inspirations, you understand what kind of record you’re getting into!

For example, you have tracks like ‘TREO’ which is easily my favourite song ‘production-wise.’ Why? It’s because of that chorus or repeating loop of that (Spanish?) vocal harmony that has this fast-paced energy to it, kind of reminds me of an old Disney cartoon vibe with how chaotic and unpredictable but fast-paced it was! Every time that part came out, I’d smile because not only was it fun but unique in execution!

The song right after that, ‘MOPEDS,’ features a more methodical vibe with those classical notes and cold piano keys combined with that skeletal drum pattern!

This song sounds like a classic painting come to life! It’s very haunting yet beautifully crafted at the same time!

Across this album, you’re going to get some tracks that have a more ‘polished’ and ‘mainstream’ feel and others that maintain his trademark ‘gritty’ and ‘muddy’ boom-bap experience, but that’s the beauty of this record! There’s so much for everyone that I know everyone in one form or another will be satisfied!

MONEY himself is back harder than ever. Deciding to come with a powerhouse roster, he’s showcasing why he’s one of the best out right now! He has that monotone, cold, and ruthless rap style with his street poetry lyricism, vicious pen game, and incredible use of flow and wordplay!

Every track he spits on feels like an in-depth story or situation come to life that makes you feel like you’re wearing a VR watching his events happen right in front of your eyes! He has a strong cadence and the type of energy that when he speaks, everyone listens!

I love the chemistry he comes packed with across those legendary names! He proves he can dominate a track solo but also proves when accompanied by his contemporaries that he’s more than capable of standing his own and doing verses just as good if not better!

If you loved his other album he dropped earlier in the year, then you will LOVE this one. It’s him on his prime shit, only stronger! Stronger production and better MC work; he’s proving why he’s THAT GUY, and you can’t ignore it! 

https://moneymogly.bandcamp.com/album/wxlfgoatz

(Pure Form 2)

A brand new duo to cover, one that I’ve seen gaining traction all over the socials, and although this is a record that dropped last month, I had a feeling it would be fire, and after listening to it, it seems my premonition was right! Let’s talk about it!

So, this is the latest collaboration effort between MC’s MISKEEN HALEEM & Sabio Dub, and together they bring you 12 tracks and 34 minutes of content that is sure to have you banging! The production features are as follows:

-Mark Stirner

-Sabio Dub

-FVNTVNV

-Raticus

And with just one rap feature by -Unorthodocks, this one is grounded, concentrated, and more focused on being an album that is quality without worrying about having too many names attached to it!

I can’t lie, the production across this album is the definition of beautiful! From the very first track, you can hear how theatrical, blissful, atmospheric, and surreal these sounds are. These sound like 70’s/80’s soundtrack scores made for cinema but converted to album form. I LOVE that Jazz/Soft Rock-inspired production that makes up most of these tracks because that too inspires me that movie era (Lethal Weapon), and it gives me goosebumps!

With every new track that played, the more the hairs on my arm stood up! I ain’t one to lie on my reviews, but as someone who is a Jazz/Hip Hop fusion stan, this one made my day! It all feels like it’s a continuation! No breaks in the sonic motion, just track after track of the same flowing, gorgeous production that makes your body relaxed and your mind wonder!

This album sounds like the sonic equivalent of ‘Happiness’; it’s the purest form of it I’ve heard in a minute. Essentially, you could call this ‘stoner music,’ which is the same difference. This is the kind of album you listen to when it’s a bright, nice day out, you’re walking through a local woodland, blunt in one hand, walking the dog, and just vibing!

I love these, fun and explorative type albums, and honestly, we need more of them in the culture. Everything is so serious now and grim. Which is fine; I love those albums as well, but every now and then, it’s refreshing to get a record as carefree and artistic as this one is! I can’t speak highly enough of the production! Absolutely incredible!

Now onto the magnificent duo! I say that because these two have a level of chemistry that most wish they had! It’s incredible! You’ve got two different styles combined with the right amount of energy, enthusiasm, charisma, and passion for the game!

Both men had a smooth and powerful flow, both featured an impressive vocabulary and lyricism, and wordplay to match! Each track had a handful of clever and witty one-liners or puns that made you appreciate their pen game, and they had such a slick approach to the mic that, combined with that lush production, I was smiling ear to ear listening to this one!

I love how, besides that one feature mentioned above, it’s just them! They are proving that they don’t need a bucket load of features to make this album pop; they are MORE than enough, and they definitely prove that! 

They have an uncanny synchronicity and groove to match! To say it was a blast to listen to their back-and-forths would be a huge understatement! And something I wish everyone could experience!

Definitely an album worthy of checking out! From the production to the dope MC work! Make sure you don’t miss out on this modern-day masterpiece! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/372lJYZHoTu4rArAooJlQK?si=rff5vt-YRFuKNthpL1MvPw